London Ontario Farmers Markets Compared: Two Venues

London Ontario farmers markets compared come down to two venues: the downtown market at Covent Garden and a farmers and artisans market on the Western Fair grounds. London Tourism describes the downtown market as established in 1845 with a Saturday farmers' market, and London Tourism describes the fairgrounds market as an indoor market of 52,000 square feet, open on Saturday and Sunday. This guide compares them and names no vendor.

What do the two London Ontario farmers markets compared offer?

Both are indoor, both sell food and both reward an early start, but they feel different. The downtown market sits in the middle of the city beside restaurants and shops, so a market visit fits easily into a day on foot. The fairgrounds market sits on a larger site with parking, which suits a car trip and a bigger shop. Hours and days change, so check each market's own page before you go.

What is Covent Garden Market known for?

London Tourism says the downtown market, at the corner of King and Talbot streets, was established in 1845 and holds a Saturday farmers' market that sells local produce, meats and baked goods. The page also mentions organic products, prize-winning meats, international foods, sweets, flowers and restaurants, and a good choice of cheese. Other sources date the market's roots earlier, so check the year before you quote it.

What is the Western Fair market in London?

London Tourism describes the Western Fair Farmers and Artisans Market as sitting in a building of 52,000 square feet on the fairgrounds, open on Saturday and Sunday. Check the market's current page for hours before you plan a trip.

When is the best time to visit a Saturday market?

Early for choice and late for atmosphere. Arrive at opening if you want a particular item such as bread or a fresh pastry, since the best sells out. Come later if you prefer a quieter stroll or want bargains at the end of the morning. If you bring children, a mid-morning visit with a snack in hand works well. Check the weather, because walking between buildings in winter takes a coat.

What is a Saturday market cheese run?

London Tourism's description of a large cheese selection makes a Saturday market cheese run a pleasant errand. Ask the seller for a taste, ask how the cheese is made and where the milk comes from, and buy a small wedge to start. A good seller will tell you how to serve it and what to eat it with. Keep cheese cold on the way home and wrap it well. If you have a dairy or lactose issue, ask about the product, not only the name.

How do you shop at an artisan food market?

An artisan food market is about makers, so ask who made the product and how. Look for short ingredient lists, small batches and a seller who can tell you the story. Taste where you can, buy small and come back if you liked it. Prices may be higher than in a supermarket, but quality and freshness often make up for it. Carry a bag, and keep cold items cold.

How do you rate market stall food?

Market stall ratings work best by item and by stall. Rate as you eat: say what you are having, add the dish as it arrives and then say how it was. In the Mosey app only the place and the stars are needed, and you can rate each dish too and add a tag such as Market Stall, Bakery or Farm Producer. Add a line about when you went, since markets change through the morning.

How can a list help a market habit?

Make a list called London markets and add each stall or product with a note on when to go and what to ask for. Invite a friend with a link so they can add their finds. Follow friends to see what they rate and save in the Friends' picks layer under Explore the map. A market list becomes a calendar of what is good this month.

Mosey is free for a place to list, places keep more of what they earn than with high-commission apps, and there are no hidden fees for the place.

How do you combine both markets in one weekend?

Plan the downtown market for Saturday morning, when London Tourism says the farmers' market runs, and the fairgrounds market for another day that its own page lists. Compare the two by buying the same thing at each, such as bread or a wedge of cheese, and note the difference in your list. A weekend of two markets teaches you more about local food than any guide, and it is cheaper than a restaurant.

What should you read next?

The Covent Garden Market guide goes deeper on the downtown market, the guide to finding good food in London gives the wider method and the Waterloo St. Jacobs guide compares a regional market. The food guide to every Ontario town and the Canadian food guides cover the rest.

After a market morning, open the Mosey app and rate the first thing you ate.